The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to its lowest level in 44 years, according to data from the US Department of Energy, highlighting a major decline in the country’s emergency oil stockpile.
Crude oil inventories in the reserve dropped to around 284.6 million barrels last week, marking the lowest level recorded since October 1982.
The sharp decline reflects a significant drawdown in US petroleum reserves as authorities manage domestic energy supplies amid continued pressure in global oil markets.
According to Reuters, the reduction is linked to a US agreement under which the release of 172 million barrels of oil had been announced.
The large-scale release has contributed to the depletion of the emergency reserve, which is designed to provide a supply buffer during major disruptions or energy emergencies.
The latest figures highlight the changing position of the US oil stockpile after years of maintaining much higher reserve levels.
With inventories now at their lowest point in more than four decades, the size of the SPR remains closely watched as global energy markets continue to face uncertainty.
The decline could also increase attention on future decisions involving the reserve, particularly as the United States seeks to balance energy security, domestic fuel demand and developments in international crude oil markets.
